This archive report was first published on 23 October 2019.
On February 8 next year, Meru County will host the inaugural 'Challenging the Heights' mountain race, a fundraising event to support the establishment of the Meru Cancer Institute.
The event aims to mobilize funds for the institute while promoting tourism and environmental conservation in the region.
Meru Governor Kiraitu Murungi, who flagged off a mock race, said the county seeks to exploit the potential of Mt Kenya as a sports destination and nurture talents.
Mr Murungi also sampled the racecourse accompanied by former Athletics Kenya Treasurer Joseph Kinyua, former world marathon champion Douglas Wakiihuri, and three Kenyans who have participated in world mountain running events.
Kenya Museums of Kenya Director Mzalendo Kibunjia, top athletics promoters, and Athletics Kenya officials also attended the event.
Notably, twin sisters Purity and Caroline Gitonga from Kienini village in Meru participated in the 34th world mountain running championship held in Canillo, Andorra, last year.
‘The race is not new, only that it has not been held here. Kenya has taken teams to world events and some have won those races,’ said Mr Murungi.
The event will include races for both the young and the old, with the elite race being 12,000 meters at 2,800 meters above sea level.
Winners will pocket Sh500,000, first runners-up Sh250,000, while second runners-up will walk away with Sh100,000.
